Senator Carlucci's 3rd Annual Fun Run in Memory of Rockland Teen

NEW CITY, NY —Nearly 200 runners and walkers came to stand up against drinking and driving Wednesday at the 3rd annual 5K Fun Run to benefit the Larisa Karassik Foundation Inc.

"We need to teach everyone think before you drink and make a plan. Through my nonprofit, I and Rockland County Officer Robert Moger speak to thousands of students and DWI offenders and share with them my family's story," said Larisa's mother, Anastasia Karassik. "Senator Carlucci's 5K Fun Run is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and the Senator's support for our cause means everything. Larisa was part of Sen. Carlucci's Student Advisory Council, and they shared an interest in their community and making the world a better place."

On May 23, 2015, 13-year-old Larisa was killed when a repeat drunk driver slammed into her family's SUV in Warren, New York.

"This year's run falls on the 3-year anniversary of Larisa's death, and it's important we stand with her family supporting them and raising awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving. Larisa's death was avoidable," said Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester) .

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 28 people die every day nationwide due to a crash involving an alcohol-impaired driver. That's one death every 51 minutes.

Carlucci introduced the 'Repeat Offender Revocation Law' following Larisa's death. It would increase the penalties for repeat drunk or drugged drivers, and make sure they lose their license in New York permanently.

Currently, a person convicted of two DWIs or more can get their license restored after five years, even if injury is caused in the crash.

"My legislation would make sure a person loses their license permanently after three DWIs, three refusals of a sobriety test, or two DWIs where a physical injury occurs," said Carlucci.